In a thrilling display of tenacity and skill at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium in Bengaluru, the Indian tennis team achieved a monumental 3-2 victory against the higher-ranked Netherlands in the first round of the Davis Cup 2026 Qualifiers. This upset marks one of the biggest in India’s Davis Cup history, with the 33rd-ranked hosts overcoming the world No. 6 Dutch side to advance to the second round.
The tie, played over February 7-8, 2026, was broadcast live on Doordarshan Sports, capturing every intense moment of this edge-of-the-seat encounter. The live coverage highlighted the electric atmosphere, with home crowd support fueling the Indian players through crucial points.
Day 1: A Split Start
The action kicked off on Saturday with singles rubbers. India’s top player, Sumit Nagal, faced Guy Den Ouden in the opening match. Despite a strong comeback in the second set, Nagal fell 6-0, 4-6, 6-3, putting the Netherlands ahead 1-0.
However, Dhakshineswar Suresh, the 457th-ranked underdog from India, turned the tide in the second singles. Against Jesper de Jong (world No. 88), Suresh delivered a composed performance, winning 6-4, 7-5 to level the tie at 1-1. Suresh’s booming serves and precise groundstrokes were a highlight of the day’s live broadcast, showcasing his potential as a rising star.
Day 2: Doubles Drama and Decisive Singles
Sunday’s coverage began with the doubles rubber, where Suresh teamed up with Yuki Bhambri for the first time. Facing the experienced Dutch duo of Sander Arends and David Pel, the Indians clinched a hard-fought 7-6(0), 3-6, 7-6(1) victory after three hours of play. This win gave India a 2-1 lead, with the commentators praising the pair’s inspired tiebreak dominance.
The reverse singles saw Nagal take on de Jong again. In a seesaw battle, de Jong prevailed 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, tying the score at 2-2 and setting up a winner-takes-all fifth rubber.
All eyes were on Suresh in the decider against Den Ouden (world No. 162). The Indian, playing his third match of the weekend, rose to the occasion with a 6-4, 7-6(4) triumph, sealing the tie for India. Suresh’s inside-out forehand winner on match point, as captured in the live feed, sent the Bengaluru crowd into frenzy.
The Hero: Dhakshineswar Suresh
Suresh emerged as the undisputed star, contributing to all three of India’s points. Hailing from a small town near Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, the 6-foot-5 powerhouse has been training in Chennai and currently plays Division One college tennis in the United States at Wake Forest University. His performance not only propelled India forward but also inspired fans, proving that rankings don’t always dictate outcomes.
What’s Next for India?
With this win, India advances to the second round of the Qualifiers, one step closer to the Davis Cup Finals featuring the top 8 teams globally. The team will look to build on this momentum, potentially facing Korea in the next tie.
This Davis Cup clash was a testament to the spirit of Indian tennis, blending grit, strategy, and home advantage into a unforgettable victory.
